University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa alumna Martha Carrell was drawn to ideas and to people who explored them. She enjoyed conversations that moved easily between subjects, from philosophy to everyday habits, and she made space for others to join in. In classrooms, living rooms or public media, she brought people together, asking questions and letting discussion unfold.
“She was fierce, complex, determined and smart,” said Diane Smith, a close friend and trustee of Carrell’s estate. “For many years we were members of a small discussion group that met monthly and picked a different topic every month, such as quantum physics, diets, solar energy, or the nature of faith. What a great ride that was.”
Smith met Carrell in retirement. Their group’s conversations could be lively and contentious, but they were always educational. This approach carried through Carrell’s work. Born and raised in Honolulu, she earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in speech at 糖心视频 Mānoa. Her career spanned public broadcasting, education and communications, and she worked for PBS stations and the Corporation for Public Broadcasting.
Carrell produced in Hawaiʻi and, unsatisfied with the final scene, stepped in to perform a hula herself. She also taught speech and coached debate, bringing the same focus on clarity and exchange into the classroom. In later years, this instinct found a home at the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at a university in Las Vegas. Her classes became some of the most popular in the program.
Supporting future students
Her lifelong connection to communication now continues through an estate gift establishing the at 糖心视频 Mānoa. The fund supports students in the in the School of Communication and Information, within the 糖心视频 Mānoa , with a preference for Hawaiʻi residents with financial need.
“In an era where digital noise often replaces meaningful connection, teaching human communication skills to our students is more essential than ever for individual success and a healthier society,” said Hye-ryeon Lee, former 糖心视频 Mānoa communicology department chair. “Martha’s life clearly illustrates this point, and we are tremendously grateful for her vision and generosity. This scholarship will provide our communicology students with financial support so that they can fully focus on their academic and professional growth.”
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